18 C.F.R. § 1318.200 – Purpose and scope.

(a) Categories of actions addressed in this section are those that do not normally have a significant effect on the human environment and therefore do not require the preparation of an EA or an EIS. Such categories of actions (categorical exclusions) include those:
1. (1) Identified in appendix A of this part;
2. (2) Adopted by TVA consistent with NEPA sec. 109, 42 U.S.C. 4336c; or
3. (3) Identified by TVA pursuant to paragraph (c) of this section.
(b) A proposed action may be categorically excluded if a single categorical exclusion encompasses the proposed action or multiple categorical exclusions collectively encompass the proposed action, subject to a review for extraordinary circumstances pursuant to § 1318.201. A proposed action will not be impermissibly segmented into smaller parts such that the use of a categorical exclusion for any such smaller part would irreversibly and irretrievably commit TVA to a particular plan of action for a broader proposed action.
(c) TVA may update or revise the categorical exclusions listed in appendix A of this part when it identifies new categories of actions or determines that the definition of actions listed in appendix A of this part warrants revision or removal, based on TVA's experience. In making this determination, TVA will:
1. (1) Develop a written record containing information to substantiate its determination or to justify its removal;
2. (2) Consult with the CEQ on its proposed categorical exclusion or revision, including the written record, for a period not to exceed 30 days prior to providing public notice as described in paragraph (c)(3); and
3. (3) Provide public notice of TVA's establishment, revisions, or removal of the categorical exclusion and publish the written record.
(d) Consistent with NEPA sec. 109, 42 U.S.C. 4336c, TVA may adopt a CE listed in another agency's NEPA procedures. If, after consulting with the agency, TVA determines such an adoption is appropriate, TVA will provide public notification of the adoption. The notification will briefly describe the agencies' consultation, the category of actions to which TVA would apply the CE, and any information relevant to the application of the adopted CE. The CEs adopted by TVA under NEPA sec. 109, 42 U.S.C. 4336c, will be listed on TVA's web page.
(e) TVA may rely on another Federal agency's determination that a categorical exclusion applies to a particular proposed action if the action covered by that determination and TVA's proposed action are substantially the same. In these instances, TVA will review the records of the other Federal agency to ensure the records address the TVA proposed action. TVA will document that TVA is relying on the categorical exclusion determination and that no extraordinary circumstances are present that require the preparation of an environmental document.